Introduction: The Emergence of Political Volatility in Japan
In the two short years since Junichiro Koizumi’s retirement, Japan has witnessed the fall of one prime minister, Shinzo Abe, and the severe weakening of another, Yasuo Fukuda. The reformist zeal of Koizumi has been followed by the stillborn nationalism of Abe and the revived sway of the faction system under Fukuda. Moreover, the once-dominant Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) itself is now seriously threatened by a surging opposition party, the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ).
It appears that, after one-party rule since 1955, Japan is now approaching a two-party system with the DPJ looming as a center-right alternative government. In short, Japan is currently experiencing a distinct period of political uncertainty, confusion, and transition.
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